ECONOMYNEXT – The Colombo Stock Exchange closed marginally down on Wednesday, data on its site showed.
The broader All Share Index closed down 0.03 percent, or 4.13 points, at 12,390; while the more liquid S&P SL20 Index closed down 0.05 percent, or 1.68 points, at 3,686.
Turnover was 1.6 billion. Index heavyweights, diversified financials and consumer sectors contributed the most.
“Market closed flat as a bit of uncertainty crept in over today’s IMF review announcement,” market participants said.
People’s Leasing and Finance Plc saw the most volumes traded (Rs216mn) in the day. The share closed up at 13.00.
“The diversified financials [with leasing exposure], saw some interest after news of the government’s possible decision to relax vehicle import controls in October.”
Commercial Credit And Finance Plc closed up at 37.40, Vallibel Finance Plc closed up at 45.80 and Central Finance Company Plc closed up at 121.75.
Hayleys Plc also saw interest (Rs188mn), and the share closed up at 108.00.
DFCC Bank Plc, which announced it was in talks with Hatton National Bank Plc to divest its 50 percent stake in their joint venture, Acuity Partners (Pvt) Ltd, closed flat at 78.00. Hatton National Bank Plc closed down at 204.50.
Kelani Valley Plantations Plc which is trading accusations with Plantations Infrastructure Minister Jeevan Thondaman, closed down at 78.10.
Top contributors to the index included Commercial Bank of Ceylon Plc (up at 109.25), Vidullanka Plc (up at 10.90), and Hemas Holdings Plc (up at 87.00).
There was a net foreign outflow of 39 million. (Colombo/Jun12/2024)